All-new Peugeot 3008 SUV first drive review

As a Peugeot owner,
I shall try to remain objective in this review. The only family car we run is
the 5008 seven-seater.
We didn’t buy it for its stylish looks or its amazing performance – it was
bought because my wife and I have three young children – and it’s the perfect
car for our needs. Yes; it’s a tool.

Appeal

The all-new Peugeot 3008 SUV,
like any other vehicle, is fundamentally a tool. But, this small SUV will have
huge emotional and desirability appeal as well, due to its looks. The 3008 SUV,
which replaces the 3008
Crossover, turned Italian heads on my early drive of it around Bologna. I
have no reason to doubt that, we Brits, will give it a second glance when it
comes to our shores at the end of the year, too.

Design

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but you’d have to have
seriously skewed taste if you didn’t think the all-new Peugeot 3008 is
proportioned nicely. The elevated ride height, and confident grille design
serve to give it a fashionable look, with the only design flaw being the tiny
rear indicators. Peugeot could have made these larger within the otherwise
attractive tail-light clusters.

Interior

It has an interior that is on a par with premium executive
cars. This is because the all-new 3008 SUV comes kitted out with loads of tech
and first class materials. The small steering wheel, and Peugeot’s latest
i-Cockpit display, which integrates a 12.3-inch screen behind the wheel, look
amazing. The system means you can alter the arrangement of the dials, decide
what is shown and have sat-nav directions inside the driver’s instrument
binnacle.

Diesel Power

Of course, a car can look great and have all the equipment
in the world stuffed into it – but it’s no good if it doesn’t drive well. With
the all-new Peugeot 3008 SUV,
there are no worries to be had in this area either. We got to drive the
1.6-litre BlueHDi diesel engine with 120PS and automatic transmission, which is
forecast to be the most popular model in Britain. Peugeot doesn’t need a
crystal ball to predict this. An average 67.3mpg and 108g/km of CO2 means low
running costs for the auto, combined with pretty punchy performance.

The Drive

Behind the all-new Peugeot 3008’s weeny wheel, the SUV feels
dynamic and the weighting is spot on. The car grips bitumen like a cat’s claws
grasp flesh – with ‘fun’ being the overriding feeling that bubbles to the top
of the pot of emotions experienced driving the Peugeot. Mid-range pulling
power is particularly good, so you can pick up the pace easily. The six-speed
Efficient Automatic Transmission is a slick shifting unit, but stamp your right
foot on the gas and you’ll become aware of the all-new Peugeot 3008 SUV’s
diesel propulsion. That said; the car still delivers an outstandingly hushed
ride for an oil-burner. Tyre roar and wind whistle are kept out of the cabin,
too. All this just adds to the new 3008’s sense of refinement.

The Ride

The car offers a composed ride with seats that support you
and your passengers nicely. The all-new 3008’s suspension sopped up some evil
potholes on our Italian test route without complaining. Significantly, the car
is not a leaner on bends. Indeed, body roll is very well contained, which was
something that surprised us. Small SUVs aren’t always the type of vehicle to
stay so unruffled on twisty bits of tarmac. Big thumbs up to Peugeot on this,
then.

Practicality

Rear space in the Peugeot 3008 SUV is
commendable. You’ll get two adults in the back comfortably – or three children
on booster seats. Legroom and headroom is very good in the front and back –
even for six-foot-tall occupants. And the massive 520-litre boot will swallow
two pushchairs, as well as shopping, easily.

Verdict

We’re excited about the all-new Peugeot 3008 SUV.
It’s a good looking family car that drives well and delivers a comfortable ride
for all. Furthermore, it’s economical and practical – and, from an emotive
point of view, you’ll be pleased to see it parked outside your house. The entry
price for the new model will be £21,795, but expect to pay around £25,000 for
the 1.6-litre BlueHDi we drove. All in all, there’s no reason why the all-new
Peugeot 3008 SUV shouldn’t be a big seller in Britain.